Barristers

Ruth Reid

Call 2013

2019 - Finalist for the ‘Rising Star: Chambers’ award at the Diversity Legal Awards

Ruth Reid specialises in general crime with experience as both defence and prosecuting counsel in the criminal courts.

She advises and represents on all matters from first hearings up to and including appeals. She also deals with cases involving civil injunctions, such as CBOs and gang injunctions.

Ruth has a direct and friendly approach and is particularly passionate about assisting young and vulnerable clients through the criminal justice system. She has training and experience in dealing with vulnerable people, so is able to meet their needs, as well as advise on the need for and work with an intermediary where necessary.

Prior to joining chambers, she gained experience working as a Solicitor’s agent in civil matters and also worked as a paralegal at the Serious Fraud Office. Alongside these, in a voluntary capacity, she represented and advised in Employment Tribunal cases and volunteered with the Witness Service. Ruth is passionate about and undertakes voluntary and pro bono work through a number of organisations, including founding Cake & Counsel in 2017.

She regularly speaks at various organisations and has been recognised for her voluntary work, and work towards equality and diversity.

Ruth is also currently appointed/instructed on the following:

  • Dame Dobbs Review
  • CPS Panel Level 2
  • Serious Fraud Office Panel C

Expertise

Ruth has a wide general criminal practice dealing with indictments of numerous counts and all associated legal arguments and procedures. These include theft and dishonesty matters, sexual or violent offences, and those involving the supply/importation of drugs and the possession and/or use of weapons.

Featured General Crime cases


R v PW

Defended on a three-count indictment. Successful legal arguments included excluding the defendant’s extensive bad character and removing one count during a half-time submission. Used effective BWV breakdown in cross-examining various police officers. The defendant was acquitted of one of the remaining two counts.


R v AHP

Represented the client from first appearance up to proposed Crown Court trial. Continuously made representations regarding serious disclosure failures by the Crown, which eventually saw the case dropped shortly before trial.

Ruth regularly defends youths charged with various matters ranging from minor offences to very serious offences within the Youth or Crown Court. She is able to effectively assist and meet the needs of the youth client, their parent/guardian, and any other associated organisation.

Featured Youth Crime cases


R v SF

Three-day attempted robbery trial of youth, brought on a joint enterprise basis. Issues included forensic evidence and a successful s.78 application to exclude unfair evidence.

Ruth represents in various fraud and proceeds of crime matters. She has experience as both a paralegal and as disclosure counsel working closely with the Serious Fraud Office on fraud, bribery and corruption cases. She is currently appointed as Panel C external counsel for the Serious Fraud Office.

Recent articles

Ruth Reid secures an Absolute Discharge for a client

Ruth Reid secures an Absolute Discharge for a client initially charged with possession of an offensive weapon and s4 POA at Basildon Crown Court. The crown accepted a plea to the s4 offence and offered no…

Ruth Reid

Ruth Reid appointd to the Serious Fraud Office’s Panel of Counsel

Having previous experience of working on criminal fraud cases and for the SFO, Ruth Reid has been appointed to join their prosecution Panel C. The appointments are effective from 31 December 2020 for four years. 

Ruth Reid

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Regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB)

Regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and holds a current practising certificate. If you are not satisfied with the service provided, please click here.

2019 - Finalist for the ‘Rising Star: Chambers’ award at the Diversity Legal Awards

2020 – Shortlisted for Mentor of the Year for the Women in Law Awards

2020 – Shortlisted as Future Leader for Diversity and Inclusion in the Chambers UK Bar Awards 2020 by Chambers & Partners

  • 2015 – LLM in Legal Practice, Cardiff University
  • 2013 -BPTC – University of Law, Birmingham
  • 2013 – Kalisher Trust, Cloth Fair Chambers Major Scholarship (BPTC)
  • 2012 – LLB Law with Management, Aston University

  • Cake & Counsel – Founder
  • Urban Lawyers – Co-Head of the Education Team
  • Equality and Diversity Officer for chambers
  • Race Working Group for the Bar Council
  • Advisory Board for Non-Russel Group Lawyers
  • Patron for Queen Mary Bar Society
  • Middle Temple Young Barrister’s Association
  • HRLA
  • Justice
  • 
Liberty
  • Amicus ALJ
  • 
CBA
  • YFLA

  • English
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